Johnson reeled off a pair of wins in the final two races before the 12-driver field was set, vaulting him to the top of the standings when the Chase starts. NASCAR awards 10 bonus points for each win by a Chase driver once the championship segment begins, seeding the field. So with his six wins, Johnson now finds himself atop the standings for the first time this season and with a 20-point lead on Gordon. SceneDaily.com
Johnson is the driver no one wants to get hot, but the defending series champion and his No. 48 Chevrolet are heating up at just the right time.
The win was Johnson’s second in a row and sixth of the season. He’ll start with a 20-point lead on Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon when the Chase begins September 16 at New Hampshire International Speedway.
“Everything’s working right now, ” Johnson said. “We’re strong on all fronts. We’re happy to be hitting our stride at this point in the season. ” Canada.com
He’s won the past two races and has a season-high six victories to earn a 20-point cushion at the start of the playoff. He has the best team and the best crew chief.
Johnson is better than he was a year ago, and that was good enough to win his first title. A second championship is 10 races away. Terry Blount, ESPN.com
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